Superintendent Says Mold No Longer a Problem

COURT HOUSE – Mold that could sicken children and staff has been an ongoing problem at the Middle Township Elementary Schools, but according to Superintendent Michael Kopakowski, the mold problems at both Elementary No. 1 and 2 found in 2011 and 2012 have been rectified and both schools are safe.
Mold was found growing in two classrooms in Elementary No. 1’s first grade wing after removal of other mold during a December 2011 cleanup. Students had to be evacuated during the week of Dec. 5, 2011 when mold was found and again from another classroom when mold was also found there.
Air quality specialists from ALS Air Quality were called to the building Dec. 15 and remediators from the Lancaster-based Paul Davis Restoration were called in to clean up the additional mold. In a Jan. 6, 2012 interview Kopakowski said, “The entire school is now clean. The levels of the building are acceptable for occupancy.” Cost to the district for testing, clean up and re-testing Elementary No. 1 was about $123,000.
But the problem was not over. During an inspection by ALS in August, 2012, more mold was found in Elementary No. 1.
“Our supervisor of building and grounds has certification as an indoor air quality specialist,” Kopakowski said. “Our maintenance and custodial personnel have been trained on how to properly maintain the indoor air quality in our buildings. We continue to monitor the mold and indoor air quality issues in our schools, especially when they are reported.”
Kopakowski told the Herald that Compliance Management International conducted an Indoor Air Quality Survey in Middle Township Elementary No. 2 on Dec. 19, 2013.
“The scope of work for this investigation was to conduct air/surface sampling and perform a visual inspection as part of an indoor air quality program implemented by the school district,” Kopakowski said. “CMI tested for temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (ventilation), carbon monoxide and fungi. The report stated that air sample results for fungi were unremarkable.
Indoor air quality in all areas sampled was not degraded when compared to outdoor levels of fungi or levels of fungi typical for a healthy, dry building.”
Kopakowski said Middle Township Public Schools will continue to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a safe and healthy environment is maintained for students and staff.
“These are our youngest students and we take very seriously if they are in any danger at all,” Kopakowski said. “I want to assure our parents, students and staff that the school district will continue our efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment in all of our schools. If any parent has a concern, I want them to please contact me directly. I have all the reports I can show them that says this issue has been taken care of completely.”
Parents with concerns can reach Kopakowski at 609-465-1800.
To contact Debra Rech, email drech@cmcherald.com.